I get what you’re saying, but for me I think I have learned that less is more when it comes to using prompts to spark an idea and having the freedom to let it take me somewhere worth writing about before it dies.
I gave at least one of these a whirl here on the Dope (but there was no theme called for that I recall) and I occasionally manage to do some flash fiction challenges elsewhere that use just a single word prompt. I’m not taking my toys and going home or anything, just thinking out loud I suppose. I’m sure I’ll keep up with future threads.
I think the ‘pic plus three’ and a general theme is a pretty good format that allows enough flexibility for each author to go wherever he or she would like. My problem is always finding the time to work through and meet the deadline.
I failed again with this assignment, but I think it’s helped me where I wanted it to, and let me untie a mental knot I couldn’t unravel in a larger work I have going. But now I really want to finish this story! I think I need to dismantle and reassemble somewhat…
Dammit! I missed my 60 hr deadline. Had half the story written, was going along swimmingly, until work interrupted. Agh well, I might just finish it and post it here not to vote, but just to share.
Yeah, I almost missed the theme constraint–fortunately, I noticed it while I was still thinking through ideas. I agree that it seems unecessary on top of three words plus a picture.
Hoorah!
Please do! And anyone else who missed their deadline.
